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Category Archives: Concession Industry

Hot Dog Machines Keep these Concession Food Staples Rolling

Hot DogFit for either a meal or snack, the hot dog has long been one of the most popular concession foods. Whether at the ballpark, a festival, shopping mall or wherever people gather, more often than not we can detect that mouthwatering aroma emanating from a hot dog machine somewhere in the vicinity.

There’s Something About a Ballpark Hot Dog

A hot dog off the grill at home can certainly be as tasty as any other hot dog. However, we often hear people claim there’s no better dog than those sold at the ballpark. This could be due in part to the atmosphere or the fact that the hot dog is woven into the fabric of our overall ballpark experience. But actually, the equipment for cooking hot dogs at the ballpark usually isn’t much different than the hot dog machines found in stores or in concession stands at other venues and events.

The Machinery

Hot dogs can be cooked in a number of different ways, including grilling, steaming and boiling. But for concession and vending purposes, the hot dog grill roller is the preferred piece of equipment for producing hot, delicious dogs.

These machines come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are generally built from sturdy, heavy-duty stainless steel. They contain a series of rollers placed closely together, and at least one heat-regulating dial for adjusting roller temperatures.

Hot dogs placed on the slowly-rotating heated rollers are cooked evenly throughout. The dog’s natural flavors are “locked in” as a result. After the cooking process is completed, roller temperatures can be dialed to keep the hot dogs fresh and warm for whenever they will be served.

Hot dog roller machines typically contain drip pans. And the rollers themselves can easily be removed for cleaning. The capacity of these machines varies from being capable of producing several dozen to several hundred hot dogs per hour. Regardless of its location, a well-maintained stainless steel hot dog roller machine will produce plump and juicy dogs for many years and seasons.

 

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How concessions are profitable, recession-proof

MoneyIt’s easy to think that treats such as snow cones, caramel corn, and hot pretzels won’t sell in a down economy. The truth is, although people are spending their money a little wiser, they still make a budget for fun, and fun includes great food.

When people venture to the movie theatre, they prepare to spend at least $2-$5 for sweet treats and salty snacks. On the flip side, a $2.00 bag of caramel corn only costs the seller $0.25!

Of course, movie theatres aren’t the only places selling popcorn and cotton candy, think about all of the places concession stand food is necessary. Parks are a great example. Whether it’s an amusement park or a theme park, your concession stand will get business.

In some parks, there is no other option for food. Since competition is low, people will wait in lines, and purchase the food you offer. That’s not to say park the cart in a high traffic area and throw business ethics to the wind. It’s more about learning where you can make the most profit, no matter what the economy is like.

Fairs are also great for concession stands, even during a recession. People look forward to their city fair, since it only comes once each year. Chances are, they’re going to the fair for the food; they’re prepared to pay for unique treats they might not get during the rest of the year.

Shopping malls is also another option. While people might not be hitting the shopping mall quite as often during a down economy, the concession stand will be the most affordable option in the mall when it comes to snacks and meal options. With the aroma of your freshly popped caramel corn wafting through the mall, you’re a sure seller.

Don’t get discouraged when it comes to the world’s money troubles. Businesses can succeed, and luckily, people always want to have fun and enjoy great food while doing so.

 

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Concession Trailer Owners No Strangers to Small Business Challenges

200119845-001Operating a food cart or concession trailer business affords proprietors a level of freedom, flexibility and mobility they would be hard-pressed to find in any other line of work. But despite having the ability to call their own shots with regard to schedule, location and offerings, concession trailer owners still face many of the same challenges as other small business operators, with a few twists.

Small Business Challenges

Starting a small business requires hard work, determination and resiliency. New entrepreneurs often spend long days and nights ensuring not only that their enterprise gets off the ground, but that it has a good foundation.

Of course, everything revolves around finances. From start-up costs to ongoing expenditures, it is crucial for small business owners to be very well organized in this make-or-break department in order to remain solvent and eventually establish consistent profitability.

Staffing is another critical area, as it can be a major challenge to find trustworthy and dependable employees.

Before getting into the food trailer business, it is essential to thoroughly research every facet and develop a solid business plan. This includes determining:

• What type of operation they would like to run — whether stationary or mobile.
• Where to purchase foodservice equipment and where it can be serviced.
• The kinds of food, snack, drink and possible novelty items they wish to sell.
• Where to keep a mobile cart during off hours.
• Where to store food and other concession supplies.
• The types of locations that would best fit their strategy.

Licensing, registrations and permits are other areas of constant consideration for the food trailer owner. These and other legalities must be investigated and budgeted before moving to new locations.

Striking out on your own to carve out a niche in the world of commerce is never easy. But with a sound strategy in place, small business owners can work through the challenges to create a viable and profitable product.

 

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How to Prep for Your First Gig

The first time for anything can be a little scary, especially when it comes to running your own business. But have no fear, running a concession stand is possible and you are the one to make it happen.

Since you’ve already thought about getting into the business of concessions, it’s time to focus your thinking on certain items of the shop.

Start by getting some ideas for brochures, so you can eventually create your own. Look at brochures that you know sell items, and see how they list products.

Know that a successful shop makes money in three ways: 1. From over the counter sales, 2. Shipping sales, and 3. Wholesale or packaged goods. Start thinking of good locations where your shop can accomplish all three of these ideas.

Visit at least two successful concession stands, so you can start thinking about ideas for product presentation, interior décor, display, and even uniforms for your employees. Only use what you see for ideas, it is important that you create your own, unique brand.

Next, do some investigating. Make sure this is what you want to do before you invest your money in the business.

Decide what you’re going to sell at your shop. Create a good balance of sweet and salty, and remember to keep it simple, especially in the beginning. In fact, your best bet is to limit the menu items, but vary the sizes they come in. Or, perhaps you offer popcorn, but sell different flavors. You also want to sell items that are easy to prepare.

Create a business plan based on your location and the products you plan to sell. A business plan will help you determine the costs for the first year, how to promote yourself and the products, and how much you need to make to succeed.

By following these tips, you’ll be on the right track in the concessions business before you sell your first bag of popcorn!

 

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Food Carts give “New York’s Finest” Another Meaning

New York City, with its fabled culture and rich history, is often referred to as the “center of the universe.”

One traditional aspect of the “Big Apple” is its street vendors. Many food cart and concession trailer owners have made a very good living peddling their wares on the streets of New York. In some cases, food trailer ownership is generational. Fathers and mothers pass their food carts on to sons and daughters who continue to serve loyal customers year after year.

The “Steaks” are High

The competition between food stand owners is fierce. The aroma emanating from pizza warmers, hot dog grills and popcorn poppers drifts throughout the city streets as customers gravitate toward their favorite vendors when hungry.

Seemingly located on just about every street corner, food concession trailers offer a broad variety of menu items that range from ethnic tastes to those purely American. Nacho machines work overtime as wide-eyed customers walk away with plates piled high. And shredded steak, chicken or pork sizzle on a grill as a slice of pita bread waits to be filled.

The availability of Greek, Asian and Mediterranean dishes on opposite street corners make a mealtime decision even more difficult.  But New York’s famous gourmet hot dog carts also beckon. Kabobs, roasted nuts, gourmet pretzels and overstuffed omelets are all part of New York City’s vast food vending tapestry, and that just scratches the surface.

For those considering starting a food stand or concession trailer business in New York City, the costs for permits and licensing are relatively steep. But the biggest challenge might be finding a good location; one that is not already occupied by any number of the Big Apple’s world class vendors.

 

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Increase Your Popcorn Stand Profits by Adding Caramel Corn and Cheese Corn

Caramel Corn Close Up ShotAlthough popcorn is a great concession stand/food cart offering, customers often want something more exciting than plain popcorn to satisfy their grumbling tummies. Thinking about adding some sweet and savory options to your popcorn cart? With just a few extra supplies, you can add gourmet caramel corn and cheese corn to the menu!

Here’s what you’ll need to make caramel corn: some popped popcorn, a caramel corn mixing machine or aluminum mixing kettle, caramel corn mix (and appropriate amounts of oil, butter, sugar, and/or water, depending on the type of mix), a kernel separation aid, popcorn scoops, a cooling rack, and some popcorn bags/containers to serve the caramel corn in. That’s it!

Optionally, you may also want to purchase some caramel corn posters, displays and signs to help you market your product, and a wood mixing paddle, if you prefer to make your caramel popcorn the old-fashioned way.

To make cheese popcorn you’ll also need popped popcorn, some mix, and a cheese popcorn machine or mixing bowl to mix the solution with your popcorn, along with a scoop and containers/bags to distribute the cheese corn.

Gold Medal offers all of the items you need to produce, serve, and market your caramel corn and cheese corn in one place. We sell caramel corn machines and cheese corn mixers in a variety of sizes and styles, as well as accessories like cooling racks, popcorn scoops, and mixing paddles. We also sell high-quality product mixes, containers, and merchandizers. For caramel corn, we even offer pre-packaged product and all-in-one merchandising wagons!

But just how does adding gourmet popcorn increase your popcorn stand profits? Well, it’s quite simple: gourmet popcorn has a higher profit margin than regular popcorn. Caramel corn, for example, has a profit margin of 72 to 82 percent. To learn more about how to boost your concession business profits, visit the resource section of our website.

 

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The Concession Trailer Business Leaves Room for Creativity

Whether prospective entrepreneurs enter the food vending arena to earn extra income or to start a full-blown concession trailer business, this industry offers many advantages. One of the most attractive aspects of the food trailer business is the ability of owners to “call their own shots.”

Flexibility Comes with the Territory

Leaving a regimented, workaday environment for freedom and flexibility is one of the many reasons that people are drawn toward careers in concessions. This is not to say that food cart and concession trailer proprietors don’t work hard or that there are no administrative hurdles to navigate. But there is a degree of autonomy in food stand ownership that cannot be found in most other professions.

The decision-making process rests with the independent concessionaire in regard to when and where to set up shop, which products to serve and how to market their food stands. Vendors may choose to start with “standard” concession food equipment such as a hot dog roller, popcorn maker or nacho machine. Or they may try something a little more unconventional such as gourmet pretzels or kettle popcorn.

Anything Goes

Successful owners of food carts leave “no stone unturned” when it comes to developing marketing ideas and ways to separate themselves from the competition. It is always wise to survey the territory before venturing into a new event or area. If other food vendors are peddling standard fare, those offering atypical menu items will often reap the rewards.

Vendors may also choose to branch out into areas such as catering or opt to offer an exclusive food item. For instance, having the only funnel cake concession trailer at a particular event can prove to be very profitable.

Food stand owners can also be creative in their marketing endeavors. Robust websites with social media alerts and Facebook pages can stir up customer interest. Discount coupons distributed throughout an area before a festival or other event is a good idea as well.

Concession trailer owners have the freedom to customize their careers and operate on their own terms. Whether they are happy to work on a part-time or “specialized” basis, or whether they set the bar high for sales and profits, the possibilities are wide open.

 

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Prep for Carnival Season

In the concession business, fun foods are in season all year. However, depending on where you do business, your city or town might have a busy season, especially during the summer months when there are fairs, carnivals, and outdoor sporting events.

If a busy season is approaching your area, there are a few things you can do to be in good shape for it to begin.

Start by taking a look at your equipment. Is your trailer up to date with the proper equipment, such as a fryer or a grill, if needed? If you normally use a cart or a wagon, make sure the parts are in working condition.

It’s also a great idea to clean up your trailer or wagon, and get things sparkling and shining again.

Restock on all of your product. If you’ve been through this season before, take a look at numbers to get a feel for how many people you might be serving this time around. If you can’t purchase your food items too far in advance, you can get a leg up on paper goods, or recipe mix packets.

Are you considering adding a new product to your cart for the season? If so, remember to keep it simple. You don’t want to offer too many items, or anything that’s difficult to make. Consider your market, and if the new item will sell and help profits or not. If you sell popcorn, maybe you add caramel corn, or additional sizes for variety instead of an entirely new item.

If one season is your only “busy” time of the year, consider additional events or locations you could tap into. Also consider selling gift tins to add another option for sales.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready for the busy season. After the season, take a look at your market and see where you can expand to make the entire year your “busy” season.

 

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Keeping Concession Equipment Clean Good for the “Bottom Line”

Owning a concession trailer or a food cart can be a fun and rewarding way to make a living or earn extra income.

Of course, food stand ownership carries its share of challenges. Licenses, permits, health department inspections and the occasional battle for a good, profitable location all come with the territory. But the process of navigating through obstacles and administrative requirements usually becomes smoother as owners of food carts develop their systems and gain more experience.

Equipment Care Key to Successful Concession Trailer Business

Equipment such as the popcorn machine, nacho dispenser and the sno-kone® maker are the “tools of the trade” within a concession stand. Food cart owners depend on these and other food service devices to be fully operational each time they open for business. Equipment problems can be devastating during a busy day of delivering snacks, and will more often than not send potential customers into the hands of competition. Simply put, food stand owners cannot afford equipment breakdowns!

Therefore, it is extremely important for food stand owners to thoroughly clean their concession stand equipment every time it is used. This is especially true when it comes to machines that tend to get quite messy or sticky, such as a popcorn popper or a cotton candy maker. It’s worth the time and effort to completely empty and wipe down these devices at the end of the day.

It’s very easy for salt, debris or sugary remnants to accumulate inside of intakes or on the moving parts within these machines. The result can cause clogging, loss of performance and breakdowns.

Cleaning tips are usually available within each machine’s instruction manual or through a variety of other sources, such as companies that provide concession equipment. Gold Medal Products, headquartered inCincinnati,Ohio, is a great resource for information on concession equipment maintenance and snack machine replacement parts. Gold Medal is a leader in the industry and a good friend to concession stand owners the world over.

 

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America’s oldest snack: Popcorn!

Today we’re turning up the heat and popping up the fun to celebrate America’s oldest snack: Popcorn.

Did you know that Americans consume some 16 billion quarts of this whole grain treat each year? That’s 52 quarts per man, woman, and child!

Yummy Popcorn
Do you remember where you were when you had your first bite?

It doesn’t matter how you cover it: butter, caramel, or dusted with black truffle oil and parmesan cheese. Popcorn is the tasty treat that’s dominated the world’s snacking culture for centuries. Popcorn is also so much more than a snack; it’s a unifying factor across the globe. Everyone fondly remembers when they had their first taste and exactly where they were.

I clearly remember going to the movies as a kid and nudging my siblings in the ribs to get a leg up on the popcorn scarfing. Next it was Jiffy Pop on the stove and gleefully watching as the fluffy, white kernels exploded all over the kitchen (sorry for the mess, Mom). Then microwave popcorn became all the rage and it was a game to see how much you could pop before it burned to a crisp. But nothing will ever compare to that fresh-popped flavor from the kettle that just melts in your mouth.

Popcorn and any of the classic fun foods tie us to places and spaces in time. They’re passed down through generations like fine heirlooms to be treasured. So I say raise your glass today and celebrate all that is good and buttery with popcorn. Share it with your loved ones or take a relaxing moment for yourself and remember that child-like joy of the first taste.

Fun Popcorn Facts From the Popcorn Board (www.popcorn.org)

  • The oldest ears of popcorn ever found were discovered in the bat cave of West Central New Mexico in 1948 and 1950. Ranging from smaller than a penny to about 2 inches, the oldest Bat Cave ears are about 4,000 years old.
  • Most U.S. popcorn is grown in the Midwest, primarily in Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri.
  • The world’s largest popcorn ball was created by volunteers in Sac City, Iowa in February, 2009.  It weighed 5,000 lbs., stood over 8 ft. tall, and measured 28.8 ft. in circumference.
  • Compared to most snack foods, popcorn is low in calories. Air-popped popcorn has only 31 calories  per cup. Oil-popped is only 55 per cup.
  • In 1519, Cortes got his first sight of popcorn when he invaded Mexico and came into contact with the Aztecs. Popcorn was an important food for the Aztec Indians, who also used popcorn as decoration for ceremonial headdresses, necklaces and ornaments on statues of their gods.
 

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